Cleaning composition having high self-adhesion and providing residual benefits

ABSTRACT

A composition for treating a hard surface. The composition has: (a) at least one adhesion promoter; (b) at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of: anionic, non-ionic, cationic, amphoteric, zwitterionic, and combinations thereof; (c) mineral oil; (d) water; (e) optionally, at least one solvent; and wherein the composition is self-adhering upon application to a surface to be treated, and wherein the composition provides a wet film to said surface when water passes over said composition and surface.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and is a continuation ofnon-provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 14/962,404 filed Dec. 8, 2015,which is a continuation of non-provisional application U.S. Ser. No.14/864,001 filed on Sep. 24, 2015 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,243,214 B1),which is a continuation of non-provisional application U.S. Ser. No.14/716,031 filed on May 19, 2015 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,181,515), which isa continuation of non-provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 14/616,901filed Feb. 9, 2015 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,068,152), which is acontinuation of non-provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 13/374,875filed Jan. 20, 2012 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,980,813), which is acontinuation-in-part of non-provisional application U.S. Ser. No.12/388,576 filed Feb. 19, 2009 under 35 U.S.C. §120 (now U.S. Pat. No.8,143,205 B2), which in turn claims benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/064,182, filed Feb. 21, 2008 under 35 U.S.C. §119(e),each of the above being incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

SEQUENTIAL LISTING

Not applicable.

FIELD OF INVENTION

In some embodiments, the invention is directed to a self-adheringcomposition that may provide residual benefits based on an extendedspreading or coating provided by the composition upon exposure to alayer of water. In addition, the composition has improved stabilityunder varying conditions of temperature and humidity, as well asimproved self-adhesion to hard surfaces, for example a ceramic surface,such as toilet bowls, glass, windows, doors, shower or bath walls, andthe like.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

It is known to hang cleaning and/or disinfecting and/or fragrancingagents in a container under the rim of a toilet bowl by appropriatehanging devices from which the sanitary agents are released upon eachflush into the toilet bowl.

While effective, some consumers do not use such devices because ofreasons such as the need to remove a used device by hand. For example,consumers may perceive such requirement as unsanitary or generallyunappealing. Additionally, only one device may be used at a time in atoilet bowl and such devices tend to release composition locally,resulting in an effect that may be limited by the location and flow ofthe water.

In addition, consumers may shy away from using conventionalunder-the-rim toilet bowl hanging devices because such devices mayimpede the consumer during the course of a regular cleaning. Duringcleaning with a toilet bowl brush, a hanging device may be easilydisplaced and then must be put back in place by using the consumers'hands, which may be perceived as unhygienic or unappealing.

Exemplary sanitary agents for dispensing in toilet bowls may be in theform of solid blocks, liquids, and gel form.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,667,286 discloses a sanitary agent in paste or gel formwhich provides a long-lasting cleaning and/or deodorant-releasing and/ordisinfecting effect and which can be applied directly to the surface ofa toilet bowl in a simple and hygienic manner. U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No.2008/0190457 discloses a self-sticking cleansing block that may beapplied directly to the surface of a toilet bowl. The present inventionprovides an improvement to such a sanitary agent by providing greaterstability, e.g. longevity in use, as well as improved self-adhesion tohard surfaces, especially ceramic surfaces such as a toilet bowl.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides consumers with thebenefit of delivering a composition or active ingredient to a relativelywide area of a toilet bowl or other hard surface. In other nonlimitingembodiments, the present invention provides consumers with the benefitof efficiently delivering a composition or active ingredient to arelative wide area of the toilet bowl or other hard surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first nonlimiting embodiment, the present invention relates to acomposition for treating a hard surface. The composition has: (a) atleast one adhesion promoter; (b) at least one surfactant selected fromthe group consisting of: anionic, non-ionic, cationic, amphoteric,zwitterionic, and combinations thereof; (c) mineral oil; (d) water; (e)optionally, at least one solvent; and wherein the composition isself-adhering upon application to a surface to be treated, and whereinthe composition provides a wet film to said surface when water passesover said composition and surface.

In a second nonlimiting embodiment, the present invention relates to acomposition for treating a hard surface. The composition has: (a) about18 wt. % to about 27 wt. % of at least one adhesion promoter; (b) about7.5 wt. % to about 20 wt. % of at least one surfactant selected from thegroup consisting of: anionic, non-ionic, cationic, amphoteric,zwitterionic, and combinations thereof; (c) from 0 to about 5 wt. % ofmineral oil; (d) a balance of water; (e) optionally, 0 to about 5 wt. %of at least one solvent; wherein the composition is self-adhering uponapplication to a surface to be treated, and wherein the compositionprovides a wet film to said surface when water passes over saidcomposition and surface.

In a third nonlimiting embodiment, the present invention relates to acomposition for treating a hard surface. The composition has: (a) anethoxylated alcohol; (b) an alkyl polyglycol ether; (c) mineral oil; (d)an alcohol; (e) polyethylene glycol; (f) an alkyl ether sulfate salt;and (g) water; wherein said composition is self-adhering to a surfaceupon application thereto and provides a wet film on said surface whenwater passes over said composition and surface.

In a fourth nonlimiting embodiment, the present invention relates to acomposition for application to at least one predetermined position on ahard surface and is composed to be self-adhering to said hard surfacethrough a plurality of periodic flows of water over said composition andsaid hard surface, said composition partially dissolving during andafter each of said periodic flows of water and providing thereby a wetfilm which emanates in all directions from said composition over saidhard surface and, said composition including at least one surfactantwhich delivers in the wet film at least one active agent present in saidcomposition to extended areas on said hard surface away from saidpredetermined position for immediate and residual action by said atleast one active agent.

In a fifth nonlimiting embodiment, the present invention relates to aself-adhering cleaning composition for treating a hard surfacecomprising at least one adhesion promoter, at least one anionicsurfactant, at least one nonionic surfactant which optionally in part orall also provides said at least one adhesion promoter, mineral oil, andwater; wherein said hard surface is hydrophobic or is renderedhydrophobic, and wherein upon application of said composition to saidhard surface and water flow over said composition, said compositionpartially dissolves and provides a wet film which emanates in alldirections along the hard surface from said composition to extendedareas on said hard surface away from said composition and is temporarilyretained on said extended areas to provide residual cleaning treatmentof said hard surface.

In a sixth nonlimiting embodiment, the present invention relates to acomposition for treating a hard surface. The composition has: (a) one ormore components which render the composition self-adhering to a hardsurface to being treated by said composition, including at least onenonionic surfactant; (b) at least one surfactant selected from the groupconsisting of: anionic, nonionic, cationic, amphoteric, zwitterionic,and combinations thereof; (c) mineral oil; (d) water; and (e) optionallyat least one active agent, wherein said at least one anionic surfactantand said at least one nonionic surfactant are present in a combinedamount to provide, following a flow of water over said composition whenadhered to a hard surface, a wet film which emanates from saidcomposition over said hard surface, said wet film providing a deliveryvehicle for components of said composition for immediate and residualtreatment of said hard surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of specific nonlimiting embodimentsof the present invention can be best understood when read in conjunctionwith the following drawings, where like structures are indicated withlike reference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1 shows perspective view of an exemplary gel dispensing apparatusaccording to the present invention.

FIGS. 2A-E shows gel compositions having different mineral oilcompositions at different times under test conditions as describedbelow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

As used herein, “composition” refers to any solid, gel and/or pastesubstance having more than one component.

As used herein, “self adhesive” refers to the ability of a compositionto stick onto a hard surface without the need for a separate adhesive orother support device. In one embodiment, a self adhesive compositiondoes not leave any residue or other substance (i.e., additionaladhesive) once the composition is used up.

As used herein, “gel” refers to a disordered solid composed of a liquidwith a network of interacting particles or polymers which has a non-zeroyield stress.

As used herein, “fragrance” refers to any perfume, odor-eliminator, odormasking agent, the like, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments,a fragrance is any substance which may have an effect on a consumer, oruser's, olfactory senses.

As used herein, “wt. %” refers to the weight percentage of actual activeingredient in the total formula. For example, an off-the-shelfcomposition of Formula X may only contain 70% active ingredient X. Thus,10 g. of the off-the-shelf composition only contains 7 g. of X.

If 10 g. of the off-the-shelf composition is added to 90 g. of otheringredients, the wt. % of X in the final formula is thus only 7%.

As used herein, “hard surface” refers to any porous and/or non-poroussurface. In one embodiment, a hard surface may be selected from thegroup consisting of: ceramic, glass, metal, polymer, stone, andcombinations thereof. In another embodiment, a hard surface does notinclude silicon wafers and/or other semiconductor materials. Nonlimitingexamples of ceramic surfaces include: toilet bowl, sink, shower, tile,the like, and combinations thereof. A nonlimiting example of a glasssurfaces includes: window and the like. Nonlimiting examples of metalsurfaces include: drain pipe, sink, automobiles, the like, andcombinations thereof. Nonlimiting examples of a polymeric surfaceincludes: PVC piping, fiberglass, acrylic, Corian®, the like, andcombinations thereof. A nonlimiting example of a stone hard surfaceincludes: granite, marble, and the like.

A hard surface may be any shape, size, or have any orientation that issuitable for its desired purpose. In one nonlimiting example, a hardsurface may be a window which may be oriented in a verticalconfiguration. In another nonlimiting example, a hard surface may be thesurface of a curved surface, such as a ceramic toilet bowl. In yetanother nonlimiting example, a hard surface may be the inside of a pipe,which has vertical and horizontal elements, and also may have curvedelements. It is thought that the shape, size and/or orientation of thehard surface will not affect the compositions of the present inventionbecause of the unexpectedly strong transport properties of thecompositions under the conditions described infra.

As used herein, “surfactant” refers to any agent that lowers the surfacetension of a liquid, for example water. Exemplary surfactants which maybe suitable for use with the present invention are described infra. Inone embodiment, surfactants may be selected from the group consisting ofanionic, non-ionic, cationic, amphoteric, zwitterionic, and combinationsthereof. In one embodiment, the present invention does not comprisecationic surfactants. In other nonlimiting embodiments, the surfactantmay be a superwetter. One of skill in the art will appreciate that insome embodiments, a substance which may be used as an adhesion promotermay also be a surfactant.

In use, the composition of the invention may be applied directly on thehard surface to be treated, e.g. cleaned, such as a toilet bowl, showeror bath enclosure, drain, window, or the like, and self-adheres thereto,including through a plurality of flows of water passing over theself-adhering composition and surface, e.g. flushes, showers, rinses orthe like. Each time water flows over the composition, a portion of thecomposition is released into the water that flows over the composition.The portion of the composition released onto the water covered surfaceprovides a continuous wet film to the surface to in turn provide forimmediate and long term cleaning and/or disinfecting and/or fragrancingor other surface treatment depending on the active agent(s) present inthe composition. It is thought that the composition, and thus the activeagents of the composition, may spread out from or are delivered from theinitial composition placement in direct contact with the surface to coatcontinuously an extended area on the surface. The wet film acts as acoating and emanates from the self-adhering composition in alldirections, i.e., 360°, from the composition, which includes in adirection against the flow of the rinse water. Motions of the surface ofa liquid are coupled with those of the subsurface fluid or fluids, sothat movements of the liquid normally produce stresses in the surfaceand vice versa. The mechanism for the movement of the gel and/or theactive ingredients is discussed in greater detail infra.

Surprisingly, it is observed that the nonlimiting exemplary compositionsof the present invention provide for a more rapid and extendedself-spreading. Without wishing to be limited by theory, it is thoughtthat the self-spreading effect may be modified through the addition ofspecific surfactants to the composition. Nonlimiting examples of factorswhich are thought to affect the speed and distance of the self spreadinginclude: the amount of surfactant present, the type of surfactantpresent, the combination of surfactants present, the amount of spreadingof the surfactant over the water flow, the ability of the surfactant toadsorb at the liquid/air interface, and the surface energy of thetreated surface. It is thought that the surfactant of the compositionserves to push other molecules, e.g. compounds, around so as to deliverthese compounds to other parts of the surface. Compounds desirable forextended delivery over a treated surface are active agents, e.g. agentscapable of activity as opposed to being inert or static. Nonlimitingexamples of active agents, or active ingredients, that may be usedinclude: cleaning compounds, germicides, antimicrobials, bleaches,fragrances, surface modifiers, stain preventers (such as a chelator) thelike, and combinations thereof. The composition is especially useful intreating the surface of a toilet bowl since it allows for delivery andretention of a desired active agent on a surface above the water line inthe bowl as well as below the water line.

In some embodiments, the composition can be applied directly to asurface using any suitable applicator device, such as a pump orsyringe-type device, manual, pressurized, or mechanized, aerosol, orsprayer. The consumer may activate the applicator for application of thecomposition directly to a surface without the need to touch the surface.In the case of a toilet bowl surface, this provides for a hygienic andeasily accessible method of application. The amount and location(s) ofthe composition may be chosen by the user, e.g. one or more dollops ordrops of composition, or one or more lines of composition. Thecomposition self-adheres to a hard surface to which it is applied, suchas the ceramic side wall of a toilet bowl or shower wall. A surprisingand unique feature not provided by conventional devices is that thecomposition is delivered to surfaces located above the site ofapplication of the composition to the surface.

Composition

In one embodiment, the composition has a gel or gel-like consistency. Inthe described embodiment, the composition is, thus, firm but not rigidas a solid. In an alternative embodiment, the composition is a solid. Instill another embodiment, the composition is a malleable solid.

The improved adhesion obtained by the composition of the inventionallows application on a vertical surface without becoming detachedthrough a plurality of streams of rinse water and the gradual washingaway of a portion of the composition over time to provide the desiredcleaning and/or disinfecting and/or fragrance or other treatment action.Once the composition is completely washed away, nothing remains forremoval and more composition is simply applied.

In some embodiments, the composition may include an adhesion promoterwhich causes a bond with water and gives the composition a dimensionalstability even under the action of rinse water; at least one nonionicsurfactant (which may serve all or in part as the adhesion promoter),preferably an ethoxylated alcohol; at least one anionic surfactant,preferably an alkali metal alkyl ether sulfate or sulfonate; mineraloil; water; and optionally at least one solvent. More particularly, thehydrophilic polymer holds the composition to the surface to enhance themaintenance and thereby extend the times of spreading and, thus,delivery of active agents for treatment of the surface and/orsurrounding environment. In some embodiments, the composition may alsoinclude a superwetter compound to enhance the spreading of the wet film.The composition displays extended durability without the necessity of anexterior hanging device or holder thereby only requiring a newapplication of the composition to the surface after a long lapse of timeand no need to remove any device.

In some nonlimiting examples, there are a number of components of thepresent invention composition that are suitable for treating hardsurfaces. In one embodiment, the composition comprises an adhesionpromoter present in an amount of from about 20 wt. % to about 80 wt. %.In another embodiment, the composition comprises an adhesion promoter inthe amount of from about 20 wt. % to about 60 wt. %. In anotherembodiment, the composition comprises an adhesion promoter in the amountof from about 40 wt. % to about 60 wt. %. In an alternative embodiment,the composition comprises an adhesion promoter in the amount of fromabout 20 wt. % to about 30 wt. %.

In another embodiment, the composition comprises at least one surfactantin an amount of greater than 7.5 wt. %. In another embodiment, thecomposition comprises at least one surfactant in an amount of from about7.5 wt. % to about 20 wt. %. Surprisingly, it is discovered thatproviding an optimal amount of surfactant, in particular anionicsurfactant, provides the product with a particularly strong “foaming”characteristic that greatly pleases consumers.

In one embodiment, the composition comprises a non-polar hydrocarbonsuch as mineral oil in an amount of less than about 5 wt. %. In anotherembodiment, the composition comprises mineral oil in an amount of fromgreater than zero wt. % to about 5 wt. %. In another embodiment, thecomposition comprises mineral oil in an amount of from about 0.5 wt. %to about 3 wt. %.

In some embodiments, the compositions may be brought to 100 wt. % usingany suitable material for the intended application. One of skill in theart will appreciate that this may include, but not be limited to, abalance of water, surface modifiers, germicides, bleaches, cleaners,foamers, the like, and combinations thereof.

Optionally, the compositions of the present invention may furthercomprise at least one solvent in an amount of from 0 wt. % to about 15wt. % and the composition may further comprise at least one fragrance inan amount of from 0 wt. % to about 15 wt. %. Additionally, thecomposition may optionally include a hydrophilic polymer in an amountfrom 0 wt. % to about 5 wt. % to amplify transport effects of thecomposition. In one embodiment, “solvent” does not include water.

A further optional component is a superwetter. Without wishing to belimited by theory, it is thought that a superwetter may enhance the wetfilm provided in use of the composition. Superwetters, as may be used inthe present invention composition, are described in greater detailinfra. In other nonlimiting embodiments, additional optional componentsinclude conventional adjuvants, such as a preservative, colorant, foamstabilizer, antimicrobial, germicide, or the like, present in aneffective amount.

Exemplary components suitable for use as an adhesion promoter may havelong or long-chained molecules, for the most part linear, that are atleast in part hydrophilic and thus include at least a hydrophilicresidual or a hydrophilic group so as to provide interaction with watermolecules. Preferably, the adhesion promoter has unbranched molecules toform a desired network-like structure to form adhesion-promotingmolecules. The adhesion promoter may be totally hydrophilic or partlyhydrophilic, partly hydrophobic.

Exemplary pure adhesion hydrophilic promoters suitable for use in thepresent invention include, for example: polyethylene glycol, cellulose,especially sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose,hydroxypropyl cellulose, or polysaccharides such as xanthan gum, agar,gellan gum, acacia gum, carob bean flour, guar gum or starch.Polysaccharides can form networks with the necessary solidity and asufficient stickiness in concentrations of from 0 wt. % to about 10 wt.%; from 0 wt. % to about 5 wt. %; and from about 1 wt. % to about 2 wt.%.

The adhesion-promoting molecules can be synthetic or natural polymers,for instance, polyacrylates, polysaccharides, polyvinyl alcohols, orpolyvinyl pyrrolidones. It is also possible to use alginates,diurethanes, gelatines, pectines, oleyl amines, alkyl dimethyl amineoxides, or alkyl ether sulfates.

Organic molecules with a hydrophilic and hydrophobic end may also beused as adhesion promoters. As hydrophilic residuals, for example,polyalkoxy groups, preferably polyethoxy, polypropoxy, or polybutyoxy ormixed polyalkoxy groups such as, for example, poly(ethoxypropoxy) groupscan be used. Especially preferred for use as a hydrophilic end, forexample, is a polyethoxy residual including from 15 to 55 ethoxy groups,preferably from 25 to 45 and more preferably from 30 to 40 ethoxygroups.

In some embodiments, anionic groups, for example, sulfonates,carbonates, or sulfates, can be used as hydrophilic ends. In otherembodiments, stearates, especially sodium or potassium stearate, aresuitable as adhesion promoters.

In embodiments wherein the adhesion-promoting molecules also have ahydrophobic end, straight-chained alkyl residuals are preferred for thehydrophobic residual, whereby in particular even-numbered alkylresiduals are preferred because of the better biological degradability.Without wishing to be limited by theory, it is thought that to obtainthe desired network formation of the adhesion-promoting molecules, themolecules should be unbranched.

If alkyl residuals are chosen as hydrophobic residuals, alkyl residualswith at least 12 carbon atoms are preferred. More preferred are alkylchain lengths of from 16 to 30 carbon atoms, most preferred is from 20to 22 carbon atoms.

Exemplary adhesion promoters are polyalkoxyalkanes, preferably a mixtureof C₂₀ to C₂₂ alkyl ethoxylate with from 18 to 50 ethylene oxide groups(EO), preferably from about 25 to about 35 EO, and also sodiumdodecylbenzene sulfonate. With a reduction of the number of alkoxygroups the adhesion promoter becomes more lipophilic, whereby, forexample, the solubility of perfume and thus the intensity of thefragrance can be raised.

Molecules that generally act like thickeners in aqueous systems, forexample, hydrophilic substances, can also be used as adhesion promoters.

Without wishing to be limited by theory, it is thought that theconcentration of the adhesion promoter to be used depends on itshydrophilicity and its power to form a network. When usingpolysaccharides, for example, concentrations from about 1 wt. % to about2 wt. % of the adhesion promoter can be sufficient, whereas inembodiments comprising polyalkoxyalkanes the concentrations may be fromabout 10 wt %. to about 40 wt. %; in another embodiment from about 15wt. % to about 35 wt. %; and in another embodiment still from about 20wt. % to about 30 wt. %.

Also without wishing to be limited by theory, it is thought that inorder to produce the desired number of adhering sites with theadhesion-promoting molecules through the absorption of water, thecomposition may contain at least about 25% by weight water, andoptionally additional solvent. In one embodiment, the compositioncomprises water from about 40 wt. % to about 65 wt. %. One of skill inthe art will appreciate that the amount of water that is to be used isdependent on, among other things, the adhesion promoter used and theamount of adjuvants also in the formula.

Exemplary anionic surfactants suitable for use include alkali metalC₆-C₁₈ alkyl ether sulfates, e.g. sodium lauryl ether sulfate; α-olefinsulfonates or methyl taurides. Other suitable anionic surfactantsinclude alkali metal salts of alkyl, alkenyl and alkylaryl sulfates andsulfonates. Some such anionic surfactants have the general formula RSO₄Mor RSO₃M, where R may be an alkyl or alkenyl group of about 8 to about20 carbon atoms, or an alkylaryl group, the alkyl portion of which maybe a straight- or branched-chain alkyl group of about 9 to about 15carbon atoms, the aryl portion of which may be phenyl or a derivativethereof, and M may be an alkali metal (e.g., ammonium, sodium, potassiumor lithium).

Exemplary nonionic sulfactants suitable for use include C₂₀-C₂₂ alkylethoxylate with 18 to 50 ethylene oxide groups (EO). In anotherembodiment, C₂₀-C₂₂ alkyl ethoxylate comprise 25 to 35 ethylene oxidegroups, preferably as an adhesion promoter and nonionic surfactant.

Additional nonlimiting examples of other nonionic surfactants suitablefor use include alkylpolyglycosides such as those available under thetradename GLUCOPON from Henkel, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.

The alkylpolyglycosides have the following formula: RO—(R′O)_(x)—Z_(n)where R is a monovalent alkyl radical containing 8 to 20 carbon atoms(the alkyl group may be straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated),O is an oxygen atom, R′ is a divalent alkyl radical containing 2 to 4carbon atoms, preferably ethylene or propylene, x is a number having anaverage value of 0 to 12, Z is a reducing saccharide moiety containing 5or 6 carbon atoms, preferably a glucose, galactose, glucosyl, orgalactosyl residue, and n is a number having an average value of about 1to 10. For a detailed discussion of various alkyl glycosides see U.S.Statutory Invention Registration H468 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,565,647, whichare incorporated herein by reference. Some exemplary GLUCOPONS are asfollows (where Z is a glucose moiety and x=0) in Table A.

TABLE A Exemplary Glucopons Product N R (# carbon atoms) 425N 2.5 8-14425LF 2.5 8-14 (10 w/w % star-shaped alcohol added) 220UP 2.5 8-10 225DK2.7 8-10 600UP 2.4 12-14  215CSUP 2.5 8-10

Other nonlimiting examples of nonionic surfactants suitable for useinclude alcohol ethoxylates such as those available under the trade nameLUTENSOL from BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany. These surfactants have thegeneral formula C₁₃H₂₅/C₁₅H₂₇—OC₂H₄)_(n)—OH (the alkyl group being amixture of C₁₃/C₁₅). Especially preferred are LUTENSOL AO3 (n=3), AO8(n=8), and AO10 (n=10). Other alcohol ethoxylates include secondaryalkanols condensed with (OC₂H₄) such as TERGITOL 15-S-12, a C₁₁-C₁₅secondary alkanol condensed with 12 (OC₂H₄) available from DowSurfactants. Another example of a nonionic surfactant suitable for useis polyoxyethylene (4) lauryl ether. Amine oxides are also suitable.

At least one solvent can be present in the composition to assist inblending of surfactants and other liquids. The solvent is present in anamount of from about 0 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, preferably from about 1wt. % to about 12 wt. %, and more preferably in an amount from about 5wt. % to about 10 wt. %. Examples of solvents suitable for use arealiphatic alcohols of up to 8 carbon atoms; alkylene glycols of up to 6carbon atoms; polyalkylene glycols having up to 6 carbon atoms peralkylene group; mono- or dialkyl ethers of alkylene glycols orpolyalkylene glycols having up to 6 carbon atoms per glycol group and upto 6 carbon atoms in each alkyl group; and mono- or diesters of alkyleneglycols or polyalkylene glycols having up to 6 carbon atoms per glycolgroup and up to 6 carbon atoms in each ester group. Specific examples ofsolvents include t-butanol, t-pentyl alcohol; 2,3-dimethyl-2-butanol,benzyl alcohol or 2-phenyl ethanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol,dipropylene glycol, propylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, dipropyleneglycol mono-n-butyl ether, propylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether,dipropylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-n-butylether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethylether, triethylene glycol, propylene glycol monoacetate, glycerin,ethanol, isopropanol, and dipropylene glycol monoacetate. One preferredsolvent is polyethylene glycol.

It is thought that the inclusion of a non-polar hydrocarbon, such asmineral oil, may serve to achieve increased stability and self-adherenceto a hard surface, especially a ceramic surface. The mineral oil ispresent in an amount of greater than 0% by weight to about 5% by weight,based on the total weight of the composition. In one embodiment, mineraloil is present in an amount of from about 0.5% wt. % to about 3.5 wt. %.In another embodiment, mineral oil is present in an amount of from about0.5 wt. % to about 2 wt. %. The amount of mineral oil to be includedwill depend on the adhesion performance of the balance of the formula.Without wishing to be limited by theory, it is thought that as theamount of mineral oil is increased, the adhesion is also increased.

Although it provides benefits when used in the composition, it is alsothought that the inclusion of the mineral oil in higher amounts withoutdecreasing the amount of surfactant and/or thickener and/or adhesionpromoters will result in the composition being thickened to a degreewhich makes processing of the composition during manufacture and usedifficult because the firmness of the composition makes it difficult toprocess. In manufacture, the processing can be carried out underincreased temperatures, but such also increases the cost of manufactureand creates other difficulties due to the increased temperature level.

Nonlimiting examples of hydrophilic polymers useful herein include thosebased on acrylic acid and acrylates, such as, for example, described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 6,593,288, 6,767,410, 6,703,358 and 6,569,261. Suitablepolymers are sold under the trade name of MIRAPOL SURF S by Rhodia. Apreferred polymer is MIRAPOL SURF S-500.

A superwetter is optionally included in the composition to enhance themaintenance of the wet film provided. A superwetter may thereby assistin decreasing the time of spreading. Examples of superwetters suitablefor inclusion in the composition hydroxylated dimethylsiloxanes such asDow Corning Q2-5211 (Dow Corning, Midland, Mich.). The superwetter(s)may be present (in addition to any other surfactant in the composition)in an amount of 0 to about 5 wt. %; preferably from about 0.01 to about2 wt. %, and most preferably from about 0.1 wt. % to about 1 wt. %.

Fragrances and aromatic substances can be included in the composition toenhance the surrounding atmosphere.

In one embodiment, a gel composition comprises less than 6 wt. %fragrance. In another embodiment, the gel composition comprises from 0wt. % to 6 wt. % fragrance.

In another embodiment still, the gel composition comprises from 0 wt. %to about 5 wt. % fragrance. In yet another embodiment, the gelcomposition comprises from about 2 wt. % to about 5 wt. % fragrance.

In one embodiment, a solid composition comprises less than 10 wt. %fragrance. In another embodiment, the solid composition comprises from 0wt. % to 10 wt. % fragrance. In another embodiment still, the solidcomposition comprises from 2 wt. % to about 8 wt. % fragrance. In yetanother embodiment, the gel composition comprises from about 4 wt. % toabout 7 wt. % fragrance.

The composition according to the invention sticks to hard surfacesthrough self-adhesion. The solid, gel and gel-like materials aredimensionally stable so that they do not “run” or “drip” through aplurality of streams of water flowing thereover. It is thought thatconsumers prefer such a composition because the adhesion and shape ofthe composition remain intact even through a plurality of water rinses.Exemplary compositions comprising mineral oil are described in Table B,below:

TABLE B Exemplary Compositions Comprising Mineral Oil INGREDIENTS SAMPLE1 SAMPLE 2 SAMPLE 3 SAMPLE 4 C₂₂ Ethoxylated 13 13 13 13 Alcohol (30 EO)C₁₆₋₁₈ Ethoxylated 13 13 13 13 Alcohol (30 EO) Preservative 0.15 0.150.15 0.15 Dionized Water 44.85 44.75 44.35 43.85 Mineral Oil 0 0.1 0.51.0 Glycerine 5 5 5 5 Polyethylene 1 1 1 1 Glycol 6000 Sodium lauryl 1818 18 18 ether sulfate Fragrance 5 5 5 5 Total Wt. % 100 Wt. % 100 Wt. %100 Wt. % 100 Wt. %

Transport of Active Ingredients

As described supra, the composition of the invention may be applieddirectly on the surface of a sanitary object to be cleaned, such as atoilet bowl, shower or bath enclosure, or the like, and self-adheresthereto through a plurality of streams of water flowing over theself-adhering composition, e.g. flushes or showers. Each time waterflows over the composition, a portion of the composition is releasedonto the surface to which the composition adheres as well as into thewater to provide long term cleaning, disinfecting, fragrancing, stainprevention, surface modification, UV protection, whitening, bleaching,and the like. It is thought that any residual benefits may be obtainedfrom the composition through the inclusion of ingredients describedabove which provide for the spreading and/or transport of thecomposition along the hard surface to areas wherein the composition wasnot originally deposited. More specifically, the composition, and thusthe active agents of the composition, spread out from or are deliveredfrom the initial composition placement in direct contact with thesurface to coat an extended adjoining area on the surface. Motions ofthe surface of a liquid are coupled with those of the subsurface fluidor fluids, so that movements of the liquid normally produce stresses inthe surface and vice versa. The movement of the surface and of theentrained fluid(s) caused by surface tension gradients is called theMarangoni effect (IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 2nd Edition,1994). Thus, the composition of the invention provides that liquid flowsalong a liquid-air interface from areas having low surface tension toareas having higher surface tension. The Marangoni flow ismacroconvection, i.e., the gradient in the interfacial tension isimposed on the system by an asymmetry, as opposed to microconvectionwhere the flow is caused by a disturbance that is amplified in time (aninstability). Thus, upon a flow of water over the composition of theinvention, the composition spreads outward to cover extended adjoiningsurface areas as opposed to only the local area covered by orimmediately adjacent the composition.

More specifically, it is thought that this effect is observed due tomass transfer on, or in, a liquid layer due to differences in surfacetension on that liquid layer. Without wishing to be limited by theory,it is thought that because a liquid with a relatively high surfacetension pulls more strongly on the surrounding liquid compared to aliquid with a relatively low surface tension, a surface tension gradientwill cause liquid to flow away from regions of relatively low surfacetension towards regions of relatively high surface tension. Suchproperty, the Marangoni effect, is used in high-tech semiconductor waferprocessing. Nonlimiting examples include U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,343,922;7,383,843; and 7,417,016.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that a dimensionless unitoften referred to as the Marangoni number may be used to estimate theMarangoni effect, and other transport properties, of a material. One ofthe factors which may be used to estimate the Marangoni effect of amaterial, the Marangoni number, may be described by Eq. 1. One of skillin the art will appreciate that the Marangoni number provides adimensionless parameter which represents a measure of the forces due tosurface tension gradients relative to viscous forces.

Marangoni number, M _(a)=−Γ(dσ/dc)/Dμ

-   -   Where M_(a) is the Marangoni number        -   Γ is the surface excess concentration of surfactant (mol/m²)        -   σ is the surface tension (N/m)        -   c is the bulk surfactant concentration (mol/m³)        -   μ is the bulk dynamic viscosity (Pascal seconds)        -   D is the bulk surfactant diffusion coefficient (m²/s)

As described supra, there exist a number of compositions that are usedto transport active ingredients around a surface. However, most of theaforementioned compositions rely on gravity or the adhesion-cohesion ofliquids as the lone mechanisms for transporting the composition aroundthe surface. Similarly, traditional liquid bathroom cleaners or similarcompositions in the bath cleaning arts, for example, often require theuser to use a brush, other implement, to manually spread the compositionaround the surface.

Surprisingly, it was discovered that, despite the complexity associatedwith transport phenomena, the transport properties of a compositioncould be enhanced through the addition of specific surfactants and otheringredients, to the composition. Even more surprisingly, the compositionmay be used as a vehicle for active ingredients when the composition isin the presence of a liquid layer.

With respect to a hard surface, such as a toilet bowl, it is thoughtthat by providing a composition according to the present invention, onemay be able to provide consumers with additional benefits of limitingthe amount of touching or other interaction between the consumer and thetoilet bowl. Such minimal interaction may be achieved by takingadvantage of the composition's ability to move from one area of thetoilet (or other hard surface) via gradients in surface tension whichmay be induced by the surfactants. Thus, it is thought that when a userflushes a toilet, the interaction of the liquid layer (from the flush)with the composition will cause the gel composition to migrate along thesurface tension gradient, thus moving the composition around the toilet.

One of skill in the art will appreciate that the transport mechanismdescribed above may be used with any hard surface that is provided witha liquid layer and is not necessarily limited to use in a toilet bowl.For example, it is hypothesized that a user may be able to provide acomposition to the surface of a sink, window, drain, or any other hardsurface on which water, or other liquid, may be provided. Additionalexemplary surfaces are described throughout.

Considerations for Treatment of Hard Surfaces

The self-spreading of the composition to provide a coating effect andresidual benefits from active treating agents, is based on thesurfactant(s) present in the composition. Nonlimiting factors which maybe thought to affect the speed and distance of the self-spreading, inaddition to the essential requirements of direct contact of thecomposition with the surface to be treated and a flow of water over andaround the composition, are the amount and type of surfactant present,in addition to and the amount or rate of dissolution of the surfactantin the water flow.

It is surprisingly discovered that when the surfactant amount anddissolution are controlled as described above, the product is capable ofcovering an extended area outward 360° from the area of initial productapplication. Further, in embodiments including active ingredients, alsodescribed above, the composition may provide an initial and/or furtherresidual treatment of a surface. The speed of spreading is significantsince the extent of spreading as desired must be complete prior todrying of the water on the surface since the water is a necessarycomponent in providing the continuous film.

Method of Use

As described above, the present invention compositions may be used toprovide immediate and/or residual benefits to a hard surface uponapplication to that surface wherein the surface will be subject to wateror some other liquid which will provide a layer for a surface energygradient.

In one embodiment the present invention composition may be comprised ofthe following steps: (1) Application of one or more doses of thecomposition onto a hard surface; (2) Exposure of the hard surface, andsubsequently the one or more doses of composition, to a liquid layer toprovide a spread out and dissipated composition layer. The method forusing the product may further comprise the optional steps: (3) Exposureof the hard surface, and subsequently the spread out and dissipatedcomposition layer to a liquid layer to provide a further spread out anddissipated composition layer. One of skill in the art will appreciatethat (3) may be repeated indefinitely until the composition iscompletely dissipated. In some embodiments, the liquid layer is water.

As described supra, the hard surface may be selected from the groupconsisting of: ceramic, glass, metal, polymer, fiberglass, acrylic,stone, the like and combinations thereof.

A liquid layer may be provided through any means that is suitable forthe intended function. For example, in a toilet bowl, a dose ofcomposition may be applied to the inside surface of the toilet bowl (aceramic hard surface) and the toilet may be flushed to provide theliquid layer that is necessary to facilitate the transport of thecomposition around the toilet bowl. In another example, a dose ofcomposition may be applied to the outside surface of a window. Theoutside surface of the window may be sprayed with water by the userusing a hose or power washer, or rain may deposit a layer of water tothe window. In yet another example, a dose of composition may be appliedto the inside of a sink or drain pipe. The user may simply activate thefaucet to provide a layer of water to the sink or drain pipe. In stillanother example, a dose of composition may be applied to the wall of ashower. The user may activate the shower to provide a liquid layer tothe surface. In yet another example, it is envisioned that the liquidlayer may also be provided with steam or a relatively high humidity.

One of skill in the art will appreciate that the different applicationsand embodiments of the present invention composition may be providedwith different active ingredients or benefit agents which may varydepending on the desired application.

Method of Use: Dispensing Considerations

There exist applicators for gel-like substances. For example, PCT Int.Pat. App. WO 03/043906 and WO 2004/043825 disclose exemplary dispensingdevices. However, while the aforementioned dispensers succeed inapplying an adhesive gel-like substance to a surface, some users mayfind that the inability to provide consistent dosing frustrating.Specifically, consumers realize that overapplication of the product maybe wasteful and lead to the purchase of unnecessary refills, whileunderapplication of the product may minimize the efficacy of thecomposition.

A nonlimiting exemplary dispenser that is capable of providing metereddoses of a composition that may be compatible with the present inventioncompositions is described in U.S. Patent App. No. 2007/0007302A1.Without wishing to be limited by theory, it is thought that consumersmay prefer to provide the compositions of the present invention inunitized, discrete doses because such a device is relatively easy to usecompared to devices wherein the consumer controls the dose size.

Further, one of skill in the art will appreciate that, when used inconjunction with a metered dispenser, the dispenser may provide doses ofthe composition in any volume and/or size and/or dose that is suitablefor the intended application. Similarly, the shape of the dispenser maybe any shape that is desired. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates anexemplary embodiment of a dispenser 10 that may be used to dispense gelcomposition 20 according to the present invention. The dispenser 10comprises a cylindrical body 11 and a gel composition 20 containedtherein. The dispenser 10 further comprises a resistive push-button 13which fits a user may push into a guide hole 14, and then slide a guidemember 15 in the negative-y direction to push gel composition 20 towardsthe dispenser mouth 12. Upon moving the guide member 15 a predetermineddistance, the push-button 13 may then “pop” out of the next guide hole14 to allow for a precise dose of composition 20 to be dispensed. Thecross-section 17-17 of the dispenser 10 may be any shape that isdesirable for the intended purpose. In one embodiment, the cross section17-17 may be annular. Nonlimiting examples of cross-sectional shapes maybe selected from: squares, circles, triangles, ovals, stars, the like,and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, a composition according to the present invention maybe provided in a dispenser wherein the dispenser provides unitizeddoses. In a particular embodiment, the unitized dose is from about 4g/dose to about 10 g/dose. In another embodiment, the unitized dose isfrom about 5 g/dose to about 9 g/dose. In yet another embodiment, thedispenser may provide from about 6 to about 8 g/dose unitized doses. Instill another embodiment, the dispenser may provide from about 3 toabout 12 unitized doses. In some embodiments, the dispenser may berefilled with additional composition.

In embodiments wherein the composition is a solid, or a malleable solid,an exemplary method and apparatus for dispensing is described in U.S.Pat. App. No. 2008/0190457.

Experimental Results and Data Samples

Samples 1-13 comprise a base ingredient set in addition to a surfactant.It should be noted that the amount of deionized water in the baseingredient set is adjusted to accommodate the additional surfactant inSamples 1-13. The Scrubbing Bubbles Sample describes an embodiment of acurrent product (Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Gel “Citrus Scent”, S.C.Johnson & Son, Racine, Wis.). The U.S. Pat. No. 6,667,286 samples arederived from Example 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,667,286. '286 (1) includes theRhodopol component. '286 (2) is a sample that is made with ingredientsat the midpoint of the described ranges. Measurements are made to thesamples for different properties. Surprisingly, the samples comprisingthe surfactant, and other ingredients according to the present inventionsamples provide an ideal combination of various properties which aredescribed in greater detail below:

Base Ingredient Set (“Base”):

Ingredient Wt. % Deionized Water 64.000000 C₂₂ Ethoxylated Alcohol (30EO) 13.000000 C₁₆₋₁₈ Ethoxylated Alcohol (30 EO) 13.000000 Glycerine,USP, 99.5% 5.000000 Quest ® F560805 5.000000

Samples

Sample Surfactant Wt. % 1 Alkyl Polyglycoside 425 N 2.00 2 Pluronic ®F127 1.00 3 Tergitol ® 15-S-12 1.03 4 Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate 1.432EO, 70% 5 Q2-5211 1.67 6 Leutensol ® XL140 1.00 7 Leutensol ® XP 301.00 8 Aerosol ® OT-NV 1.20 9 Macat ® AO-12 3.33 10 Macat ® AO-8 3.51 11Tegopren ® 6922 2.00 12 Alkyl Polyglycoside 425 N 4.00 13 Sodium LaurylEther Sulfate 11.43 2EO, 70% ′286 (1) Example 1 of 6,667,286— Rhodopol′286 (2) Example 1 of 6,667,286— Midpoints of ranges Scrubbing CitrusScent Bubbles

Surface Spreading

As described supra, the present invention compositions provides theunexpected benefit over existing compositions of, inter alia, increasedmobility and transport. Exemplary compositions are made according to theDetailed Description and are tested for surface spreading using the“Surface Spreading Method” described below.

Surprisingly, it is noticed that the addition of the surfactants providea significant increase in transport of the compositions. In oneembodiment, the compositions of the present invention provide atransport rate factor of less than 55 seconds. In another embodiment,the compositions of the present invention provide a transport ratefactor of less than about 50 seconds. In still another embodiment, thecompositions of the present invention provide a transport rate factor offrom about 0 seconds to about 55 seconds. In another embodiment, thecompositions of the present invention provide a transport rate factor offrom about 30 seconds to about 55 seconds. In yet still anotherembodiment, the compositions of the present invention provide atransport rate factor of from about 30 seconds to about 50 seconds. Instill another embodiment, the compositions of the present inventionprovide a transport rate factor of from about 30 seconds to about 40seconds.

Results for the surface spreading (Transport Rate Factor) of a productis reported in Table C below.

The surface spreading of a product is measured by the Surface SpreadingTest described below.

TABLE C Surface Spreading Measurements Sample Transport Rate Factor 133.2 2 47.7 3 53.3 4 50.5 5 30.4 6 50.1 7 46.3 8 36.9 9 37.0 10 42.7 1156.9 12 38.5 13 40.2 Base 50.1 ′286 (1) 65.9 Scrubbing Bubbles 39.1

Composition Adhesion

In addition to the mobility of the composition, it is surprisinglydiscovered that the ability of the composition to adhere to a hardsurface provides additional unexpected benefits, such as productlongevity during use. A product must have an ability to adhere to asurface for a period of at least 5 hours, as measured by the adhesiontest described below. In one embodiment, a product has a minimumadhesion of greater than about 8 hours. In another embodiment, a producthas a minimum adhesion of from about 8 hours to about 70 hours.

Results for the minimum adhesion of a product is reported in Table Dbelow.

The minimum adhesion of a product is measured by the Adhesion Testdescribed below.

TABLE D Minimum Adhesion Measurements Sample Adhesion Time (Hours) 1 >642 >64 3 >64 4 >64 5 >64 6 >64 7 >64 8 >64 9 >64 10 >64 11 >65 12 >88 1321.0 Base >64 ′286 (1) 6.0 ′286 (2) 7.5 Scrubbing Bubbles 12.0

Composition Gel Temperature

It is thought that an additional property which is important tocompositions is the ability to maintain its form despite being subjectto relatively high temperatures. Similarly to adhesion, the ability tomaintain its form, and being resistant to melting. Specifically, thismetric measures the temperature at which the composition transitions toa viscosity of greater than 100 cps as the composition cools. Further,having a relatively high composition gel temperature may provideprocessing, manufacturing, transport, and packaging advantages toproducers.

In one embodiment the composition has a gel temperature of greater than50° C. In another embodiment, the composition has a gel temperature offrom about 50° C. to about 80° C. In another embodiment still, thecomposition has a gel temperature of from about 50° C. to about 70° C.

The composition gel temperature is measured by the Gel Temperature Testdescribed below.

Results for the composition gel temperature of a product is reported inTable E below.

The minimum adhesion of a product is measured by the Gel TemperatureTest described below.

TABLE E Gel Temperature Measurements Sample Gel Temperature (° C.) 171.6 2 72.7 3 72.5 4 71.4 5 71.9 6 71.7 7 70.5 8 70.5 9 74.7 10 77.0 1171.9 12 66.2 13 69.1 Base 74.1 ′286 (1) 70.3 ′286 (2) 70.6 ScrubbingBubbles 57.3

Composition Viscosity

In some nonlimiting embodiments, the composition of the invention is inthe form of a self-adhering gel or gel-like composition for treatinghard surfaces. In the embodiments wherein the compositions areself-adhering gels, the viscosity of the composition is from about150,000 centipose (cP) to about 400,000 cP.

The composition gel temperature is measured by the Viscosity Testdescribed below.

TABLE F Viscosity Measurements Sample Viscosity (cP) 1 187000 2 233000 3155000 4 270000 5 188000 6 282000 7 199000 8 239000 9 208000 10 40000011 197000 12 349000 13 351000 Base 213000 ′286 (1) 309000 ′286 (2)436000 Scrubbing Bubbles 343000

Test Methods Surface Spreading Method

The “transport rate factor” is measured as described below.

A 12″×12″ pane of frosted or etched glass is mounted in a flat-bottomedbasin that is large enough to support the pane of glass. The basin isprovided with a means for drainage such that water does not accumulateon the surface of the pane of glass as the experiment is performed at aroom temperature of approximately 22° C. in ambient conditions. The paneof glass is supported on top of the bottom of the basin of water using4″× by 4″ ceramic tiles—one tile at each side of the bottom edge of thepane. The middle 4 inches of the pane is not touching the bottom, sothat water can run down and off the glass pane. The pane of glass isjuxtaposed such that pane of glass is at an angle of approximately 39°from the bottom of the basin.

The glass pane is provided with 0.5 inch measurement markers from afirst edge to the opposing edge.

A glass funnel (40 mm long×15 mm ID exit, to contain >100 ml) isprovided approximately 3.5″ over the 9″ mark of the pane of glass.

The pane of glass is cleaned with room temperature water to remove tracesurface active agents. The cleaned pane of glass is rinsed until thereis no observable wave spreading on the pane.

A sample of approximately 7 g. (approximately 1.5″ diameter circle forgels) of composition is applied to the pane of glass at the 0 mark. Fourbeakers (approximately 200 mL each) of water (are slowly poured over thetop of the glass pane at the 9″ height point and is allowed to run downthe pane of glass to condition the composition.

After about one minute, the funnel is then plugged and is provided withapproximately 100 mL of water. An additional 100 mL of water is slowlypoured onto the glass pane at approximately the 9″ marker. Afterapproximately 10 seconds, the stopper is removed and a timer is startedas the water in the funnel drains onto the pane of glass.

A wave on the surface of the draining water film above the compositionis observed to creep up the glass and the time for the composition toreach the 5″ marker is recorded.

The test is repeated for 10 replicates and the time in seconds isaveraged and reported as the “transport rate factor” (time in seconds).

Adhesion Test

The ability of a composition to adhere to an exemplary hard surface ismeasured as described below.

A workspace is provided at a temperature of from about 86° F. to about90° F. The relative humidity of the workspace is set to from about 40%to about 60%.

A board comprising twelve 4.25″×4.25″ standard grade while glossyceramic tiles arranged in a 3 (in the y-direction)×4 (in thex-direction) configuration (bonded and grouted) to a plexi-glass back isprovided.

The board is rinsed with warm (about 75° F. to about 85° F.) tap waterusing a cellulose sponge. The board is then re-rinsed thoroughly withwarm tap water. A non-linting cloth (ex. Kimwipe®, Kimberly ClarkWorldwide, Inc., Neenah, Wis.) saturated with isopropanol is used towipe down the entire tile board.

The board is juxtaposed to be in a horizontal position (i.e., such thatthe plane of the board is flat on the floor or lab bench).

Samples approximately 1.5″ in diameter and weighing from about 5.5 g toabout 8.0 g are provided to the surface of the board such that thebottom of the sample touches the top-most, horizontally oriented (i.e.,in the x-direction), grout line of the board. Samples are spacedapproximately 2″ apart from each other. A permanent marker is used todraw a straight line (parallel to the x-direction) approximately 0.75″below the top-most grout line.

The board is juxtaposed to then be in the vertical position (i.e., suchthat the plane of the board is perpendicular with the floor or labbench). A timer is started as the board is moved to the verticalposition. The time that a sample takes for the sample to slide down thetile a distance of about 1.5 times the diameter of the sample ismeasured, recorded as the “sample adhesion time.”

Viscosity Test

A Brookfield temperature controlled Cone/Plate Viscometer (BrookfieldEngineering Laboratories, Inc., Middleboro, Mass.) is used according tothe manufacturer's specifications. The specific parameters used on thedevice are: Shear rate of 10; C-25-1 Cone; and an 80° C. to 25° C.temperature ramp-down for 240 seconds. The device provides the viscositymeasurement in Pascal seconds (Pa·s). This measurement is then convertedto centipoise (cP) (1 Pa·s=1000 cP).

Gel Temperature Test

A Brookfield temperature controlled Cone/Plate Viscometer (BrookfieldEngineering Laboratories, Inc., Middleboro, Mass.) is used according tothe manufacturer's specifications. The specific parameters used on thedevice are: Shear rate of 10; C-25-1 Cone; and an 80° C. to 25° C.temperature ramp-down for 240 seconds. The gel temperature is reportedas the temperature at which the composition transitions to a viscosityof greater than 100 cps as the composition cools.

Example 1: Transport Along Water Film

To illustrate the surprising range and speed of the Marangoni effectprovided by the composition of the invention, an experiment is describedbelow.

A conventional white toilet bowl (Kohler Co., Kohler, Wis.) is cleanedtwice using a conventional cleaner (“The Works” Toilet and BathroomCleaner (20% HCl)) and brush to insure that no material is present onthe ceramic surface of the toilet bowl. A 5% solution of blue dye inwater is sprayed onto the surface of the toilet bowl to provide anessentially even blue coating over the entire bowl surface above thewater line. The dye remains a substantially uniform blue and issubstantially stationary and non-moving upon visual observation forabout one minute. The toilet is flushed and the dye rinsed away.

A sample of composition weighing approximately 7 g. as set out above as“Sample 2” is applied as a single dollop to one location in an upperside of the toilet bowl above the water line. The toilet is flushed sowater runs down over the composition and along the inside surface of thetoilet. Thereafter, the blue dye solution was again sprayed over thetoilet bowl surface to cover the entire area above the water line asindicated by the blue color. Upon visual observation for about twominutes, it is observed that the blue dye moved away from the appliedcomposition in all directions by material emanating from the compositionas evident by the now visual white surface of the bowl. By the end oftwo minutes, the composition covered approximately one half of the bowlsurface as evident from the essential absence of blue dye from thesurface. Without wishing to be limited by theory, it is thought that thespread of the composition occurred through the Marangoni effect.

Due to the spread of the composition over the bowl, the desired actionsought by the active agent(s) (e.g. cleaning, disinfecting and/orfragrancing) present in the composition is achieved over an extendedarea and provides residual benefit on the surface to prevent build upfrom subsequent use and prevent water stains.

Example 2: Effect of Mineral Oil on Adhesion of Gel Compositions

Samples of compositions (approximately 7 g.) according to the presentinvention containing 0, 0.1, 0.5 and 1 wt. % (Samples E-H, respectively)are tested according to the Adhesion Test Method described herein. Twotrials of each of Samples E-H is applied to a tile board according tothe adhesion test method described below. FIGS. 2A-E are photographs ofthe tile board at times of 8.5 hours, 9.5 hours, 11 hours, 12.5 hours,and 15 hours, respectively. Surprisingly, it is discovered that thecompositions with a relatively lower wt. % mineral oil tend to havelower adhesion times than samples with a relatively higher wt. % mineraloil.

The exemplary embodiments herein disclosed are not intended to beexhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the invention. Theexemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain theprinciples of the present invention so that others skilled in the artmay practice the invention. As will be apparent to one skilled in theart, various modifications can be made within the scope of the aforesaiddescription. Such modifications being within the ability of one skilledin the art form a part of the present invention.

It is noted that terms like “specifically,” preferably,” “typically,”“generally,” and “often” are not utilized herein to limit the scope ofthe claimed invention or to imply that certain features are critical,essential, or even important to the structure or function of the claimedinvention. Rather, these terms are merely intended to highlightalternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in aparticular embodiment of the present invention. It is also noted thatterms like “substantially” and “about” are utilized herein to representthe inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to anyquantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “50 mm” is intended to mean“about 50 mm.”

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the invention are, inrelevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of anydocument is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior artwith respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaningor definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to the term in this written documentshall govern.

We claim:
 1. A composition for treating a hard surface comprising (a) atleast one adhesion promoter; (b) at least one surfactant selected fromthe group consisting of: anionic, non-ionic, cationic, amphoteric,zwitterionic, and combinations thereof; (c) mineral oil; (d) water; (e)optionally, at least one solvent; and wherein the composition isself-adhering upon application to a surface to be treated, and whereinthe composition provides a wet film to said surface when water passesover said composition and surface.